That Pesky "Heath Care Issue" in Choosing a Retirement Destination

As people consider where to move as they approach retirement age, and are looking for a warmer climate, one of the things I most often hear discussed is the availability of good health care facilities. This article will review just briefly the wide variety and the excellence of the health care facilities available to you in Tampa and Tampa Bay Florida.

For starters, Tampa is blessed with two great hospitals right within the city of Tampa, itself. The 1,018 bed Tampa General Hospital in downtown Tampa is one of the largest hospitals in Florida. Tampa General (TGH) is affiliated with the University of South Florida - College of Medicine. In addition, there is Tampa Memorial Hospital, a 183-bed, state-of-the-art hospital also in downtown Tampa.

In addition as you move into suburban areas, Florida Hospital – Tampa Bay Division operates 6 separate facilities located strategically around the Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco County. Florida Hospital – Tampa and the Pepin Heart Institute are on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa and the Florida Hospital – Carrollwood serving the northwestern suburbs of Tampa and Hillsborough County is located on North Dale Mabry Highway. For more suburban areas, Florida Hospital operates a 154 bed hospital in Zephyrhills in Pasco County. The Florida Hospital - Long Term Acute Care unit is located in Land O’ Lakes.

Finally, there is the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, which achieved its National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in 1998, located in north Tampa on the campus of the University of South Florida. Cancer research at Moffitt includes more than 135 investigators organized around six scientific programs. The Moffit Cancer Center has rapidly become well-known for its expertise and sensitivity in handling the wide array of physical, spiritual or emotional needs of its patients.

Across Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, there are several more well-regarded hospitals and health care facilities including St Petersburg General, St Anthonys Hospital and All Children's Hospital in St Petersburg, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Mease Hospital in Dunedin and the Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital in Tarpon Springs among others.

As one considers the many factors that lead to a decision on where to live during your retirement years, health care, while a very important factor, isn’t the only reason why people move to Tampa Bay Florida.

Tampa is the "heart" of Tampa Bay. The warm, sunny climate and bright blue skies, the low cost of living and a wide variety of activities and events that go on almost constantly in Tampa make it an ideal location for young families and retirees alike. The average year-round temperature of 72°, a refreshing 60° in January and a warm average of 82° in August make living here delightful.

The almost-always pleasant weather fosters a lifestyle which includes lots of “outdoor living” activities. The Hillsborough River, which meanders for 56 miles, offers endless activities including canoeing, fishing, camping and hiking. There are almost 200 parks, 136 picnic areas and 80 playgrounds in Tampa and its surrounding communities. For the athletic among us, there are swimming pools, tennis and racquet ball courts, golf courses and playing fields. For those more into spectating, there are professional baseball, hockey, football and arena football teams, including the Super Bowl winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Spring training camp for the New York Yankees. Tampa Bay is home to all sorts of boating and sailing opportunities, and the gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches in Clearwater and St Petersburg are no more than 30 to 45 minutes away from anywhere in Tampa Bay.

Lowry Park Zoo entertains seniors and young families alike. The Florida Aquarium is a unique and exciting place for visitors of all ages. Art, music, dance and theater devotees find a wealth of galleries and museums such as the Tampa Museum of Art, Museum of Science & Industry and USF's Contemporary Art Museum. There are Broadway plays, operas and dance recitals that excite thousands of patrons in community theaters as well as at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Housing in Tampa and throughout Tampa Bay is abundant and affordable.

Throughout Tampa and Tampa Bay, there are single-family homes, patio homes, townhomes and condominiums from the most luxurious to the most affordable from in-town and waterfront high-rise condominiums to suburban golf course communities and retirement communities.

Regardless of all the other amenities, as you approach your senior years, there is still that “health care issue” to consider. You can rest assured, if that is a concern in your choice of where to retire, the health care facilities of Tampa Florida will meet your every need and assuage any concern you may have had.

I'd be pleased to help you find that one home, townhome or condominium in a traditional neighborhood, a downtown high-rise, or a retirement community of patio homes and villas here in Tampa Bay that fits your needs and desires perfectly.

If you'd care to comment on this article or any other facet of Tampa Bay living, please E-Mail Me or visit my Tampa real estate website. For a more immediate response, call me directly at 813-263-6806.